Hello From Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Hi there folks,

I am a mainly a commuter rider and an occasional weekend touring rider. I have been riding since I am four (41 years) but commuting for about 15 years. I ride about nine months of the year, only sitting out the worst weather usually when there is ice all over our roads. My commute is not far, only about five miles. I ride an old early 1980's Norco Pinnacle. I love old mountain bikes, for me they are great for commuting and I don't have to worry about breaking them if I jump curbs because they are tough, I can ride on dirt paths or grass or in snow, rain etc...Also, thieves don't care much for old mountain bikes. Plus I can't afford an espensive bike. My set up is simple, I have a back rack with a "lunch bag" or an insulated rack-bag where I put my lunch, lights front and back, a bell for warning others on the pathways. I use a backpack when I need to cary more items or bring home some groceries on the way etc...I have tried panniers but don't care for them. I like being bringing in my stuff in a backpack when I stop somewhere.

I am fortunate to live in Calgary, Alberta, where we have many good pathways. I do have to ride the roads a little too, so I wear a bright orange safety vest at night and in low-light conditions. The only downer here is winter. But some hearty cyclists still commute year round with metal studs on their tires! Those folks are tougher than me obviously.

Anyway I hope to contribute and participate in a positive manner to this forum.

I run a Mountain Equipment Coop Shark Light in the front and a flashing LED in the back. I put a white flashing turtle light on my helmet facing front and two red flashing turtle lights facing backwards. Hope that stops them from running me over, at least they can see me....I hope.

Thanks, It was inexpensive and works well. The most important thing is drivers can see me. Most of my ride fortunatelly is well lit. I also forgot to mention a reflective vest seems to do wonders too. I look like a Christmas Tree but hey I am seen.